Bachchan helping in UP's betterment: Mulayam

The CM also denied there was any rift between SP and Lok Dal and blamed the media for spreading "rumours".

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav on Thursday said Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan was a "non-political person" lending his services for the betterment of the state.

He told mediapersons on Wednesday that Amitabh Bachchan and Amar Singh were both working for the state's uplift, when asked if the film superstar had become Samajawadi party's brand ambassador.

"In fact, the idea of 'Kanya Vidhya Dhan' scheme was proposed by Amitabh Bachchan and we moved accordingly," the chief minister said.

He also denied there was any rift between Samajwadi Party and Lok Dal and blamed the media for spreading "rumours" in this regard.

When pointed out that Lok Dal leader Ajit Singh and party's minister Kaukab Hameed Lokdal were absent from a function held in Lok Dal stronghold, Yadav said while Hameed was out of station, the party's Chaprauli MLA Dr Ajay Kumar was present, who lauded his government.

The chief minister announced Rs five lakh for the Meerut Press Club furniture and other expenses.